CN1692196A - Apparatus and method for switching power transmission mode of washing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

An apparatus and method for switching a power transmission mode of a washing machine id disclosed, to prevent malfunction and damages of the washing machine by switching the power transmission mode stably, in which the method includes: (a) rotating the cam (600) by driving the clutch motor (60); (b) counting the number of pulses of power supplied to the clutch motor (60); and (c) maintaining the rotation of the cam (600) until the ounted number of pulses is equal to, or greater than a preset number of pulses.

Description

Instructions Device and method for switching the power transmission mode of a washing machine

technical field

The present invention relates to a washing machine, in particular to an apparatus and method for switching power transmission modes of the washing machine.

Background technique

In general, a washing machine removes dirt attached to clothes and bedding and the like through the softening action of detergent, the friction of water circulation caused by the rotation of the agitator, and the impact of the agitator on the clothes, wherein the number and type of clothes It can be detected by sensors to automatically set a laundry method, and add an appropriate amount of laundry water according to the amount and type of laundry, and then wash under the control of the microcomputer.

In the prior art, fully automatic washing machines adopt two methods, one is to transmit the rotational power from the drive motor to the washing shaft or the dehydration shaft through a power transmission belt or a pulley to rotate the agitator or the dehydration bucket, and the other is to use The brushless DC motor controls the speed to rotate the washing tub and dehydrating tub at different speeds for laundry and dehydration.

However, the prior art washing machine has a process of switching power transmission modes. In the prior art washing machine, during the process of switching the power transmission mode, the mechanical engagement state and switching state of the power transmission path cannot be detected. In this regard, during a wash or spin cycle, damage may occur to the components.

Contents of the invention

An object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and method for switching a power transmission mode of a washing machine, which prevents malfunction and damage of the washing machine by stably switching the power transmission mode of the washing machine.

The object of the present invention can be achieved by providing a device for switching the power transmission mode of a washing machine, the device having: a clutch comprising joints for selectively transmitting the power of the motor to the washing shaft and the dehydration shaft; the clutch motor , used to drive the joint; a cam, which is rotatably mounted on the clutch motor, and provides a conversion signal according to the rotation; a power supply part, which is used to supply power to the clutch motor; and a microcomputer for repeatedly rotating the cam until the counted value of pulses is equal to or greater than a preset value of pulses driving the clutch motor.

At this time, the microcomputer sets the alternating rotational power of the motor according to the amount of clothes and the amount of water. High level; when the amount of laundry is small and the amount of water is small, the microcomputer sets the value of the alternating rotation power of the motor to low level.

Also, the microcomputer sets the alternating rotational power according to the voltage input to the motor. That is, when the voltage input to the motor is high, the microcomputer sets the value of the alternating rotational power of the motor to a low level, and when the voltage input to the motor is low, the microcomputer sets the value of the alternating rotational power of the motor to a high level.

Before driving the clutch motor and after braking the clutch motor, the microcomputer alternately rotates the motor counterclockwise and clockwise according to a preset alternating rotation power.

Also, when the power is turned on again, the microcomputer determines whether the motor rotates, and after the motor stops rotating, the microcomputer drives the clutch motor. Then, after the motor rotates for a predetermined period of time, the microcomputer turns off the power. In addition, the microcomputer drives the clutch motor while causing the motor to rotate counterclockwise and clockwise alternately.

In another aspect, a method for switching a power transmission mode of a washing machine includes: (a) rotating a cam by driving a clutch motor; (b) counting power pulses applied to the clutch motor; and (c) maintaining rotation of the cam , until the count value of the pulse is equal to or greater than the preset number of pulses driving the clutch motor.

Also, the method further includes the step of setting the alternating rotational power of the electric motor, and the step of alternately rotating the electric motor in counterclockwise and clockwise directions according to the set alternating rotational power before driving the clutch motor.

When setting the alternating rotational power of the motor, the alternating rotational power of the electric motor is set according to the amount of laundry and the amount of water.

The motor rotates alternately in counterclockwise and clockwise directions at a rotation angle that is smaller than that in a washing and rinsing cycle.

Also, the method includes the step of determining whether the motor rotates when the power is restarted. At this time, after the motor rotates for a preset period of time, the power is turned off.

In another aspect, a method for switching a power transmission mode of a washing machine includes: (a) rotating a cam by driving a clutch motor; (b) determining whether a switch has been toggled; (c) keeping the cam rotating for a predetermined period of time and (d) the brake clutch motor.

At this time, the step of determining whether the switch has been switched includes: determining whether the switch is turned on when switching to the agitator mode, and determining whether the switch is turned off when switching to the spin-drying bucket mode.

Also, the step of maintaining the rotation of the cam for a predetermined time further includes the steps of: counting power pulses applied to the clutch motor; and comparing the power pulse count value with a preset pulse value. At this time, the cam continues to rotate until the pulse count value is equal to or greater than the preset pulse value.

The method also includes the step of rotating the electric motor with a preset alternating rotational power before driving the clutch electric motor and after braking the clutch electric motor. Also, depending on the amount of laundry and water, or the voltage input to the motor, the alternating rotational power of the motor is determined.

Description of drawings

The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention, illustrate embodiments of the invention and together with the description serve to explain the principle of the invention, are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and constitute a part of this specification. In the attached picture:

Fig. 1 shows a schematic diagram of a common washing machine;

2A and 2B show a cross-sectional view of the clutch and the motor in FIG. 1;

Figure 3 shows a perspective view of a clutch motor according to the present invention;

Figure 4 shows an exploded perspective view of Figure 3;

5A to 5C show the operational relationship between the cam and the switch when the clutch motor is driven;

Fig. 6 shows the operation flowchart of clutch motor, cam, switch;

FIG. 7 shows a block diagram of an apparatus for switching power transmission modes of a washing machine according to the present invention;

FIG. 8 shows a flowchart of a method for switching power transmission modes according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 shows a flow chart of a method for switching power transmission modes according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10 shows a flow chart of a method for switching power transmission modes according to a third embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 11 shows a flowchart of a method for switching power transmission modes according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed ways

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to examples shown in the accompanying drawings. In the description of the embodiments, the same components are denoted by the same names and reference numerals, and repeated descriptions are omitted.

Fig. 1 shows a schematic diagram of a common fully automatic washing machine.

Referring to Fig. 1, the fully automatic washing machine includes: a body 1, an outer tub 2a installed in the body 1, and an inner tub 2b rotatably installed in the outer tub 2a. In addition, an agitator 3 is installed at a central portion of the inner bottom of the inner tub 2b, and the agitator 3 alternately rotates in a counterclockwise direction and a clockwise direction during a washing cycle and a dehydration cycle.

The fully automatic washing machine also includes: a dehydration shaft 5 for transmitting rotational power to the inner tub 2b; a washing shaft 4 for transmitting rotational power to the agitator 3; The power of 7 is transmitted to the washing shaft 4 or the dehydration shaft 5.

The clutch 6 has the following system. Referring to FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B , the clutch motor 60 is located under the tub 2 a, and the cam 600 is installed on the drive shaft 602 of the clutch motor 60 . Likewise, the joystick guide plate 30 and the joystick 8 are installed in the shaft support bearing housing 20, and the joystick 8 includes: a recess 800 with a slope 801; Extended, when the clutch motor 60 is driven, it is guided by the lever guide plate 30 to perform linear motion. Between the cam 600 and the lever 8 of the clutch motor 60 there is a connecting rod 17 for pulling the lever 8 towards the clutch motor 60 when the clutch motor 60 is activated. Then, a return spring 14 is installed between one end of the joystick guide plate 30 and the protrusion 803 of the joystick 8, and this spring is used to apply a restoring force to the joystick 8 when the joystick 8 leaves one end of the joystick guide plate 30. . The cylindrical hollow propeller 9 engages the recess 800 of the joystick 8 during the spin cycle, and moves down the ramp 801 until the propeller 9 stops at the bottom of the plane 802 when switching to washing mode. Piston 10 is installed, and it can move up and down along the guide groove 900 in the propeller 9, and damping spring 11 is installed between propeller 9 and piston 10. Also, there is provided a coupling stopper 22 having gear teeth 221 formed in the circumferential direction of the shaft support bearing housing 20 and fixed to the bottom of the bearing housing 20 . The fork rod 12 has a front end and a middle point, which reciprocates around the middle point when the piston 10 moves up and down, wherein one side of the front end is hinged to the lower end of the piston 10, and the middle point is connected to the support 220 formed below the brake 22. The lower end is hinged. A joint 15 is installed, which can move up and down along the dehydration shaft 5 to switch the transmission path of the rotational power of the BLDC motor 7 . The connector assembly 16 is used to transmit the rotational power of the rotor 7 b to the washing shaft 4 .

3 and 4, the cam 600 is directly connected to the drive shaft 602, so that when the drive shaft 602 rotates, the cam 600 rotates at a uniform speed; when the drive shaft 602 stops rotating, the cam 600 also stops rotating.

The operational relationship between cam 600 and switch 650 is as follows.

When the cam 600 is in the state consistent with the starting point, the switch 650 is in the closed state. As shown in Figure 5C. The state corresponding to the starting point of the cam 600 refers to a state in which the rod connection shaft 601 of the cam 600 is at the starting point.

When it is desired to switch to the power transmission path for washing, the clutch motor 60 is driven to rotate the cam 600 in the counterclockwise direction. Since the protrusion 650a of the switch 650 is always in the cam concave surface 600a until the cam 600 rotates 150° from the starting point, the switch 650 is in the closed state.

Afterwards, since the protrusion 650a of the switch 650 disengages from the concave surface 600a of the cam when the cam 600 rotates 150° from the initial point, the switch 650 is in an actuated state. After the cam 600 rotates 150° from the starting point, the gear teeth 151 of the joint 15 and the teeth 221 of the connecting stopper 22 mesh.

Afterwards, referring to FIG. 5A , when the cam 600 rotates to 170° from the starting point, the clutch motor 60 is turned off. The reason why the clutch motor 60 is turned off at the position coincident with the maintaining point of the cam 600 is to more firmly transition to the washing mode.

Meanwhile, after the washing cycle is completed, when entering the dehydration cycle, the cam 600 needs to be turned back to a position consistent with the starting point. For this reason, when the power is switched to the dehydration mode, the clutch motor 60 is activated again to rotate the cam 600 in the counterclockwise direction. In this case, as shown in FIG. 5B, before the cam passes 328° from the starting point in the counterclockwise direction (158° from the maintenance point in the clockwise direction), the switch 650 remains in the activated state, and when the switch 650 When the protrusion 650a contacts the cam concave surface 600a, the switch 650 is closed.

Therefore, even if the switch 650a is turned off, under the control of the microcomputer, the clutch motor 60 remains in the activated state until the cam 600 reaches a point consistent with the starting point, and after that, the clutch motor 60 is turned off. In this case, the pulses of the AC voltage applied to the clutch motor 60 are counted from the moment the switch 650 is closed until the cam 600 reaches a point coincident with the starting point, i.e. while the clutch motor 60 remains on. . By using the value of the pulse, the clutch motor 60 can be controlled.

Simultaneously, when the cam 600 was in the starting state, not only the gear teeth 151 of the joint 15 and the gear teeth 221 of the connecting brake 22 were disengaged, but also the upper teeth 150a and the lower teeth 150b were respectively connected to the upper outer circumferential surface of the inner connector 16b. The upper teeth 161b are engaged with the lower teeth of the dehydration shaft 5, so that dehydration can be performed by rotating the washing shaft 4 and the dehydration shaft 5 simultaneously.

Referring to Figure 2B, before the start of the wash cycle, when the clutch motor 60 is not energized, the clutch 6 according to the present invention is in the closed state and the joint 15 is moved down. At this point, the pusher 9 is positioned in the recess 800 of the operating lever 8 with the slope 801 .

In this state, when the clutch motor 60 is energized to start the clutch motor 60, the driving force of the clutch motor 60 is transmitted to the cam 600, and when the cam 600 rotates, the connecting rod 17 moves toward the clutch motor 60, thereby, along The lever guide plate 30 pulls the lever 8 towards the clutch motor 60 . In this case, the return spring 14 provided at the rear end of the lever guide plate 30 is stretched.

Simultaneously, when the cam 600 rotates, the propeller 9 is in contact with the slope 801 of the joystick 8, and moves downward along the slope 801 until the propeller 9 moves to the bottom surface of the plane 802 of the joystick 8, as shown in Figure 2A, at this time Cam 600 reaches the maintenance point.

When the pusher 9 moves down with the rotation of the cam 600 and the movement of the lever 8 toward the clutch motor 60, the pusher 9 compresses the damping spring 11, so that the piston 10 movable along the guide groove 900 also moves down.

Then, as the piston 10 moves downward, the rod 12 articulated with the piston 10 turns around the fixed pin 12b at the middle point of the rod 12, passing the bracket 220 connecting the stopper 22 in the counterclockwise direction.

When the rod 12 rotates counterclockwise around the fixed pin 12b, one end of the rod 12 contacts the bottom of the joint 15, pushing the joint 15 along the dehydration shaft 5 to the upper part of the shaft. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 2A , when the power conversion to the washing mode is completed, the upper gear teeth 151 of the joint 15 are engaged with the gear teeth 221 of the connection brake 22 .

When the gear teeth 151 of the connector 15 are engaged with the gear teeth 221 of the coupling stopper 22, the connector 15 is disengaged from the connector assembly 16, so that only the washing shaft 4 rotates when the rotor 7b rotates. That is to say, in the washing cycle, since the joint 15 only engages with the teeth on the outer peripheral surface of the dehydration shaft 5, but does not engage with the teeth on the upper part of the inner connector 16b engaged with the washing shaft 4, the rotational power From the rotor 7 only to the agitator 3 via the washing shaft 4.

When the gear teeth 151 of the joint 15 mesh with the gear teeth 221 of the joint brake 22, the gear teeth 221 of the joint brake 22 prevent the joint 15 from rotating.

Referring to FIG. 2A , when the washing is finished and still washing, when the power transmission path needs to be switched from the washing mode to the dehydration tub mode for dehydration, the clutch motor 60 is re-energized to drive the clutch motor 60 and rotate the cam 600 .

When the cam 600 of the clutch motor 60 moves to the dehydration position, under the action of the restoring force of the return spring 14 , the control lever 8 leaves the clutch motor 60 . Therefore, as shown in FIG. 2B , when the reset of the joystick 8 is completed, the pusher 9 in contact with the flat surface 802 of the joystick 8 is located in the recess 800 of the joystick 8 with the slope 801 .

When the pusher 9 moves upwards with the movement of the joystick 8 , the compression on the damping spring 11 is relieved, so that the piston 10 moves upwards along the guide groove 900 in the pusher 9 . Viewing Fig. 2A from above, the rod 12 hinged to the piston 10 rotates in a clockwise direction about the fixed pin 12b as the piston 10 moves upwards.

With the clockwise rotation of the rod 12 about the fixed pin 12b, the force supporting the end of the rod 12 of the joint 15 is removed. Then, the joint 15 moves downward under the action of gravity and the restoring force of the compression spring 40 , so that the gear teeth 151 of the joint 15 are disengaged from the gear teeth 221 of the connecting brake 22 .

When the joint 15 moves downward, the teeth 150a and 150b on the inner peripheral surface of the joint 15 mesh with the teeth 161b and the teeth in the lower part of the dehydration shaft 5, so that when the rotor 7b rotates, due to the washing shaft 4 and the dehydration shaft 5 is also rotated so that dehydration can be performed.

Referring to Fig. 7, the device for switching the power transmission mode of the washing machine according to the present invention includes: a power supply part 71; a pulse counting part 72; a motor sensor part 73; a microcomputer 100; a motor 7; a clutch 6;

3 and 4, the clutch 6 includes: a clutch motor 60 for moving the joint 15 up and down for washing during a washing or spinning cycle; and a cam 600 rotatably mounted on the clutch motor 60 to rotate according to Rotation provides a switching signal.

The power supply unit 71 supplies voltage to the electric motor 7 and the clutch motor 60 , and the pulse count unit 72 counts the pulses of the AC power supplied from the power supply unit 71 to the clutch motor 60 . Furthermore, the motor sensor unit 73 detects the rotation of the motor 7 .

The microcomputer 100 checks whether the cam 600 is driven within a predetermined time after the clutch motor 60 is driven. If the cam 600 is not driven within the preset time, the microcomputer 100 turns off the clutch motor 60, then re-runs the clutch motor 60 and detects whether the cam 600 is driven again.

Likewise, if the user needs to manually switch the power transmission mode, the microcomputer 100 detects the position of the cam 600 and determines whether the cam 600 is in the correct position. If it is determined that the cam is in the correct position, the microcomputer 100 switches the power transmission mode. Then, the microcomputer 100 controls the display part 700 to display the converted power transmission mode, the meshing state between the gear teeth 151 of the joint 15 and the gear teeth 221 of the connection brake 22, and the malfunction occurred.

A method of switching a power transmission mode of a washing machine according to the present invention will be described below.

first embodiment

Washing machines usually have two modes of operation. One is the agitator mode used during the wash or rinse cycle, and the other is the spin tub mode used during the spin cycle.

First, the conversion process from the dehydration tub mode to the agitator mode will be described below.

When the washing machine is plugged in, the initial mode of the washing machine is the spin-tub mode, so that in order to start a wash or rinse cycle, it is necessary to switch the spin-tub mode to the agitator mode.

As shown in FIG. 8, the microcomputer 100 determines whether it is necessary to switch to the agitator mode to enter a washing or rinsing cycle (S81). When the washing machine is started, if the user needs to enter the washing or rinsing cycle after performing or completing the spin cycle, the microcomputer 100 determines that it is necessary to switch to the agitator mode.

If it is necessary to switch to the agitator mode, under the control of the microcomputer 100, the BLDC motor 7 rapidly alternately rotates counterclockwise and clockwise N times (such as 4 times) or predetermined times with a rotation angle smaller than the rotation angle in the washing cycle. time (1 to 3 seconds).

The BLDC motor 7 alternately rotates in the counterclockwise and clockwise directions, eliminating the factors that hinder the upward movement of the joint 15 . The upward movement of the joint 15 is hindered by the surface pressure in the opposite direction applied by the gear teeth 150a and 150b to the teeth 161b of the lower part of the dehydration shaft 5 and the upper part of the inner connector 16b, and the surface pressure is formed by the dehydration shaft 5 and the teeth 161b of the upper part of the inner connector 16b. The inner connector 16b engaged with the joint 15 is generated by the opposing force when the washing machine is stopped. Therefore, before continuing to move up the joint 15 to the position of the washing mode, the BLDC motor 7 alternately rotates counterclockwise and clockwise to eliminate factors hindering the upward movement of the joint 15 .

After that, the microcomputer 100 operates the clutch motor 60 to rotate the cam 600 (S82). Next, the microcomputer 100 determines whether the switch 650 is turned on by the rotation of the cam 600 (S83). The ON state of the switch 650 means that the gear teeth 151 of the joint 15 are engaged with the gear teeth 221 of the connection brake 22 . Therefore, by determining the on state of the switch 650 , it can be determined whether the gear teeth 151 of the joint 15 are meshed with the gear 221 of the connection brake 22 .

As a result of the determination in step S83 , if it is determined that the switch 650 is turned on, the pulse counting section 72 starts counting the pulses of the AC voltage applied to the clutch motor 60 . Then, the microcomputer 100 determines whether the count value of pulses is greater than a preset pulse value, such as '66' (S90).

As a result of determination in step S90, if the count value of pulses is smaller than the preset pulse value, steps S83 and S90 are repeated until the count of pulses is equal to or greater than the preset pulse value. While steps S83 and S90 are repeated, the clutch motor 60 is continuously driven. Therefore, the meshing of the gear teeth 151 of the joint 15 with the gear teeth 221 of the connection brake 22 is more certain.

As a result of determination in step S90, if the AC voltage pulse count value is equal to or greater than the preset number of pulses, the clutch motor 60 stops rotating (S91), and the BLDC motor 7 is immediately alternately rotated counterclockwise and clockwise under the control of the microcomputer 100. In this case, the BLDC motor 7 alternately rotates counterclockwise and clockwise N times (eg, 4 times) or for a predetermined time (1 to 3 seconds) at a rotation angle smaller than that in the washing cycle. The purpose of the alternate rotations in the counterclockwise and clockwise directions is to prevent the BLDC motor 7 from operating in a state where the gear teeth 151 of the joint 15 and the gear teeth 221 of the connecting brake 22 are not well meshed due to a mechanical failure or a motor failure. .

After the conversion to the agitator mode is completed, the microcomputer 100 performs a washing or rinsing cycle. After finishing the washing or rinsing cycle, the washing machine switches from the agitator mode to the spin tub mode to perform the spin cycle. Normally, the transition to spin bucket mode is done after the transition to agitator mode is complete. However, it is also possible to switch to the dehydration bucket mode during switching to the agitator mode according to a user instruction.

Next, the process of switching from the agitator mode to the dehydration tub mode will be described.

The microcomputer 100 detects whether a user's command to switch to the spin-drying tub mode is input during switching to the blender mode (S84). As described above, if the user's instruction has not been input, the microcomputer 100 sequentially executes steps S90 and S91, thereby completing the transition to the agitator mode, and then proceeds to the dehydration tub mode.

However, if during the transition to the agitator mode, the user's command to transition to the dehydration bucket mode has been input, the microcomputer 100 checks whether the count value of the pulse is equal to or greater than a preset pulse value, such as '66' (S85).

As a result of determination in step S85, if the pulse count value is smaller than the preset number of pulses, step S85 is repeated until the count of pulses is equal to or greater than the preset number of pulses. Therefore, the meshing of the gear teeth 151 of the joint 15 with the gear teeth 221 of the connection stopper 22 becomes more certain. At the same time, the time to correctly position the cam 600 at the starting point can also be obtained.

As a result of the determination in step S85, if the AC voltage pulse count value is equal to or greater than the preset number of pulses, the microcomputer 100 considers that the cam 600 has been positioned at the starting point. Afterwards, under the control of the microcomputer 100, the clutch motor 60 stops rotating, and the BLDC motor 7 alternately rotates counterclockwise and clockwise N times (such as 4 times) or rotates a predetermined number of times with a rotation angle smaller than the rotation angle during washing. time (1 to 3 seconds).

After that, the microcomputer 100 operates the clutch motor 60 to rotate the cam 600 (S86). Then, the microcomputer 100 determines whether the switch 650 is closed by the rotation of the cam 600 (S87). Here, the closed state of the switch 650 means that the gear teeth 151 of the joint 15 are disengaged from the gear teeth 221 of the connecting brake 22 . Therefore, by determining the closed state of the switch 650 , it can be determined whether the gear teeth 151 of the joint 15 are engaged with the gear teeth 221 of the connection stopper 22 .

As a result of the determination in step S87, if it is determined that the switch 650 is closed, the pulses of the AC voltage applied to the clutch motor 60 are counted when the switch 650 is in the closed state. Then, the microcomputer 100 determines whether the pulse count value is greater than a preset number of pulses, such as '66' (S88).

As a result of the determination in step S88, if the pulse count value is smaller than the preset number of pulses, the flow returns to step S87. Then, steps S87 and S88 are repeated until the count value of the pulse is equal to or greater than the preset value of the pulse. While steps S87 and S88 are repeated, the clutch motor 60 continues to be driven. Therefore, the gear teeth 151 of the joint 15 are completely disengaged from the gear teeth 221 of the connecting brake 22 .

On the contrary, as a result of determination in step S88, if the pulse count value of the AC voltage is equal to or greater than the preset pulse value, the clutch motor 60 is stopped (S89), and the BLDC motor 7 is immediately counterclockwise under the control of the microcomputer 100. and rotate clockwise alternately. In this case, the BLDC motor 7 alternately rotates counterclockwise and clockwise N times (for example, 4 times) or for a predetermined time (1 to 3 seconds) at an angle smaller than that during washing. The purpose of alternately rotating counterclockwise and clockwise 4 times is to prevent the BLDC motor 7 from running when the gear teeth 151 of the joint 15 and the gear teeth 221 connected to the brake 22 are not completely disengaged due to mechanical failure or motor failure. As described above, the microcomputer 100 executes the dehydration cycle after completing the transition to the dehydration tub mode.

second embodiment

Fig. 9 shows a flowchart of a method for switching power transmission modes of a washing machine according to a second embodiment of the present invention. In the method of switching the power transmission mode of the washing machine according to the second embodiment of the present invention, when the power of the washing machine is restarted during the driving of the washing machine, switching of the power transmission mode can be performed stably.

When the washing machine performs a washing, rinsing, or dehydration cycle, if the power is restarted according to a user's instruction or due to a failure, the microcomputer 100 checks whether to restart the power (S101).

If it is determined that the power has been restarted, under the control of the microcomputer 100, the motor sensing section 73 detects whether the BLDC motor 7 rotates (S102). The microcomputer 100 receives data on the rotation of the BLDC motor 7 from the motor sensor unit 73 . That is, the microcomputer 100 checks whether the rotation speed of the BLDC motor 7 is '0' based on the received data.

If it is determined that the BLDC motor 7 is rotating, the microcomputer 100 detects the BLDC motor 7 for a period of time. For example, if the BLDC motor 7 does not stop after 10 minutes, the microcomputer 100 controls the display unit 700 to display an error message, thereby notifying the user of the failure of the washing machine. Accordingly, turn off the power.

If it is determined that the BLDC motor 7 is not rotating, the microcomputer 100 starts switching the power transmission mode. That is, if the BLDC motor 7 stops rotating within a preset time, the microcomputer 100 starts switching the power transmission mode.

In order to switch to the agitator mode, the microcomputer 100 operates the clutch motor 60 (S103). At this time, the cam 600 rotates with the rotation of the clutch motor 60 . Also, the microcomputer 100 determines whether the switch 650 has been turned on by the rotation of the cam 600 (S104). By determining whether the switch 650 is on, it can be detected whether the gear teeth 151 of the joint 15 are engaged with the gear teeth 221 of the connecting brake 22 .

As a result of the determination in step S104, if it is determined that the switch 650 is not in the on state, the microcomputer 100 repeatedly detects whether the switch 650 is on.

As a result of the determination in step S104 , if it is determined that the switch 650 is in the on state, the pulse counting section 72 counts the pulses of the AC voltage applied to the clutch motor 60 when the switch 650 is in the on state. The microcomputer 100 determines whether the pulse count value is greater than a preset pulse value, for example, '66' (S105).

As a result of determination in step S105, if the pulse count value is smaller than the preset pulse value, steps S104 and S105 are repeated until the pulse count value is equal to or greater than the predetermined pulse value. At this time, when steps S104 and S105 are repeated, the clutch motor 60 continues to be driven.

As a result of the determination in step S105, if the pulse count value is equal to or greater than the preset pulse value, the clutch motor 60 is stopped under the control of the microcomputer 100 (S106).

As described above, after the transition to the agitator mode is completed, transition to the dehydration tub mode is performed. If the user wants to perform a washing or rinsing cycle after restarting the power, the microcomputer 100 performs the washing or rinsing cycle after shifting from the agitator mode to the spin tub mode.

In order to switch the agitator mode to the dehydration tub mode, the microcomputer 100 drives the clutch motor 60 (S107). At this time, the clutch motor 60 drives the cam 600 to rotate. Also, the micom 100 determines whether the switch 650 is turned off by the rotation of the cam 600 (S108). By determining whether the switch 650 is closed, it can be determined whether the gear teeth 151 of the joint 15 are disengaged from the gear teeth 221 of the connecting brake 22 .

As a result of the determination in step S108, if it is determined that the switch 650 is off, the pulse counting section 72 counts the pulses of the AC voltage applied to the clutch motor 60 when the switch 650 is turned off. Then, the microcomputer 100 determines whether the count of pulses is greater than a preset pulse value, for example, '66' (S109).

As a result of the determination in step S109, if the count value of pulses is smaller than the preset pulse value, the process returns to step S108. Steps S108 and S109 are repeated until the pulse count value is equal to or greater than a preset pulse value. At this time, when steps S108 and S109 are repeated, the clutch motor 60 is continuously driven.

As a result of the determination in step S109, if the count value of pulses is equal to or greater than the preset pulse value, the clutch motor 60 is stopped under the control of the microcomputer 100 (S110). At this time, the clutch motor 60 stays at the position where the transition to the dehydration tub mode is completed and at the same time, the transition to the agitator mode is started.

As mentioned above, after the transition from the agitator mode to the dehydration tub mode is completed, if the user needs to enter the instruction of the washing or rinsing cycle into the microcomputer 100, the microcomputer 100 will convert the dehydration tub mode to the agitator mode, thereby performing washing or rinsing. rinse cycle.

third embodiment

Fig. 10 shows a flowchart of a method for switching power transmission modes of a washing machine according to a third embodiment of the present invention. In order to perform a wash or rinse cycle, it is necessary to operate the washing machine in agitator mode. Meanwhile, in order to perform a spin cycle, it is necessary to run the washing machine in spin tub mode. Therefore, the microcomputer 100 switches the modes of the washing machine according to the difference of the corresponding washing, rinsing and spinning cycles.

As shown in FIG. 10, the microcomputer 100 determines whether the washing machine operates in the agitator mode or the spin tub mode (S111). If the washing machine has been started, and after performing or completing the spinning cycle, the user wishes to perform a washing or rinsing cycle, the microcomputer 100 determines that it is necessary to switch to the agitator mode. After finishing the washing or rinsing cycle, the microcomputer 100 determines that it is necessary to switch to the spin tub mode.

As a result of the determination in step S111, if it is determined that a transition to the mixer mode is required, the microcomputer 100 sets the alternating rotational power of the BLDC motor 7 (S112). The alternating rotation power refers to the power of the BLDC motor 7 to alternately rotate clockwise and counterclockwise. That is, the alternating rotational power of the BLDC motor 7 is divided into different levels according to the amount of laundry and water in the inner tub of the washing machine, or according to the voltage input to the BLCD motor 7 . Therefore, the microcomputer 100 determines the alternating rotational power of the BLCD motor 7 according to the amount of water in the inner tub and the amount of laundry or the input voltage.

In the case that the alternating rotational power is determined according to the amount of water in the inner tub and the amount of laundry, if the amount of water is high and the amount of laundry is large, the alternating rotational power of the BLDC motor 7 needs to be increased. At the same time, if the amount of water is low or the amount of laundry is small, then reduce its alternating rotation power. For example, if the amount of laundry is "high", the alternating rotational power of the BLDC motor 7 needs to be set to the maximum; if the amount of laundry is "medium", the alternating rotational power of the BLDC motor 7 needs to be set to medium; and If the amount of laundry is "low", it is necessary to set the alternating rotational power of the BLDC motor 7 to a minimum.

In the case of setting the alternating rotational power according to the voltage input to the BLDC motor 7, if the input voltage is high, the alternating rotational power is decreased, and if the input voltage is low, the alternating rotational power is increased, so there is no need to consider the input voltage The BLDC motor 7 can rotate alternately. For example, if the input voltage is 310V, the alternating rotational power of the BLDC motor 7 is set to be minimum. Meanwhile, if the input voltage is 300V, the alternating rotational power of the BLDC motor 7 is set to "medium". Likewise, the alternating rotational power of the BLDC motor 7 is set to the minimum when the input voltage is 250V.

After the alternating rotation power of the BLDC motor 7 is set, under the control of the microcomputer 100, the BLDC motor 7 alternately rotates counterclockwise and clockwise N times immediately with a rotation angle smaller than the rotation angle in the washing cycle (such as 4 times) or a preset time period (1 to 3 seconds).

Then, after the BLDC motor 7 alternately rotates counterclockwise and clockwise, the microcomputer 100 operates the clutch motor 60 to rotate the cam 600 (S114). The microcomputer 100 also determines whether the switch 650 is turned on by the rotation of the cam 600 (S115). By determining the ON state of the switch 650 , it can be determined whether the gear teeth 151 of the joint 15 are meshed with the gear 221 of the connecting brake 22 .

As a result of the determination in step S115, if it is determined that the switch 650 is not in the on state, the microcomputer 100 repeatedly checks whether the switch 650 is on.

As a result of the determination in step S115, if it is determined that the switch 650 is in the on state, the pulse counting section 72 counts the pulses of the AC voltage applied to the clutch motor 60 when the switch 650 is in the on state. Then, the microcomputer 100 determines whether the count value of pulses is greater than a preset value of pulses, such as '66' (S116).

As a result of determination in step S116, if the count value of pulses is smaller than the preset pulse value, steps S115 and S116 are repeated until the count value of pulses is equal to or greater than the preset pulse value. While steps S115 and S116 are repeated, the clutch motor 60 is continuously driven. Therefore, the meshing of the gear teeth 151 of the joint 15 with the gear teeth 221 of the connection brake 22 is more certain.

As a result of the determination in step S116, if the AC voltage pulse count value is equal to or greater than the preset pulse value, under the control of the microcomputer 100, the clutch motor 60 stops rotating (S117). After that, the BLDC motor 7 alternately rotates counterclockwise and clockwise N times (for example, 4 times) or for a predetermined time (1 to 3 seconds) at an angle smaller than the rotation angle in the washing cycle according to the preset rotation power. .

As described above, after the transition to the agitator mode is completed, the microcomputer 100 performs a washing or rinsing cycle. After finishing the washing or rinsing cycle, the washing machine switches the agitator mode to the spin tub mode to perform the spin cycle. Normally, switching to the dehydration tub mode is performed after the mode switching to the agitator is completed. However, it is also possible to switch to the dehydration tub mode during switching to the agitator mode according to a user's instruction.

As a result of the determination in step S111, if it is determined that a transition to the spin-drying tub mode is required, the microcomputer 100 sets the alternating rotational power of the BLDC motor 7 (S119). After the wash water used in the washing or rinsing cycle is drained, the spin cycle starts. In this regard, the alternating rotational power of the BLDC motor 7 for the dehydration cycle is classified into different levels according to the amount of laundry absorbing the wash water or according to the voltage input to the BLDC motor 7 . That is to say, the microcomputer 100 sets the alternating rotation power according to the clothes or the input voltage.

If the alternating rotation power is set according to the amount of laundry, if the amount of laundry is large, the alternating rotation power needs to be increased. At the same time, if the amount of laundry is small, it is necessary to reduce the alternating rotation power. Therefore, the BLDC motor 7 can alternately rotate clockwise or counterclockwise at a uniform speed regardless of the weight of the laundry.

The setting of the alternating rotational power according to the voltage input to the BLDC motor 7 is described in step S112.

If the alternating rotation power of the BLDC motor 7 is set, the BLDC motor 7 will alternately rotate counterclockwise or clockwise immediately N times (for example, 4 times) or preset time (1 to 3 times) according to the preset alternating rotation power. Second). Here, the BLDC motor 7 rotates at a rotation angle smaller than that in the washing cycle.

After the BLDC motor 7 alternately rotates counterclockwise or clockwise, the microcomputer 100 operates the clutch motor 60 to rotate the cam 600 (S121). Then, the micom 100 determines whether the switch 650 is turned off through the rotation of the cam 600 (S122). By determining whether the switch 650 is closed, it can be determined whether the gear teeth 151 of the joint 15 are engaged with the gear teeth 221 of the connection brake 22 .

As a result of the determination in step S122, if it is determined that the switch 650 is turned off, the pulse counting section 72 counts the pulses of the AC voltage applied to the clutch motor 60 when the switch 650 is in the off state. Then, the microcomputer 100 determines whether the number of pulses is greater than a preset number of pulses, such as '66' (S123).

As a result of determination in step S123, if the count of pulses is smaller than the preset pulse value, the process returns to step S122, and then steps S122 and S123 are repeated until the count of pulses is equal to or greater than the preset pulse value. In this state, the clutch motor 60 is continuously driven while steps S122 and S123 are repeated. Therefore, the gear teeth 151 of the joint 15 are completely disengaged from the gear teeth 221 of the connecting brake 22 .

As a result of the determination in step S123, if the AC voltage pulse count value is equal to or greater than the preset pulse value, under the control of the microcomputer 100, the clutch motor 60 stops rotating. After that, the BLDC motor 7 alternately rotates in the counterclockwise direction and the clockwise direction according to the alternating rotational power set in step S119. Here, the BLDC motor 7 alternately rotates counterclockwise and clockwise N times (eg, 4 times) or for a predetermined time (1 to 3 seconds) at an angle smaller than the rotation angle in the washing cycle. As described above, the microcomputer 100 executes the dehydration cycle after the transition to the dehydration tub mode is completed.

Fourth embodiment

Fig. 11 shows a flowchart of a method for switching power transmission modes of a washing machine according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 11, the microcomputer 100 determines whether the washing machine operates in the agitator mode or the spin tub mode (S131). In the case of starting the washing machine, if the user wishes to perform a washing or rinsing cycle after performing or completing the spin cycle, the microcomputer 100 determines that it is necessary to switch to the agitator mode. After finishing the washing or rinsing cycle, the microcomputer 100 determines that it is necessary to switch to the spin tub mode.

As a result of the determination in step S131, if it is determined that it is necessary to switch to the agitator mode, then under the control of the microcomputer 100, the BLDC motor 7 immediately alternately rotates counterclockwise and clockwise N times at an angle smaller than the rotation angle in the washing cycle ( Such as 4 times) or rotate for a predetermined time (1 to 3 seconds).

After alternately rotating the BLDC motor 7, the microcomputer 100 operates the clutch motor 60 to rotate the cam 600 while alternately rotating the BLDC motor 7 M times counterclockwise and clockwise (S133). Then, the microcomputer 100 determines whether the switch 650 is turned on through the rotation of the cam 600 (S134). By determining whether the switch 650 is closed, it can be determined whether the gear teeth 151 of the joint are engaged with the gear teeth 221 of the connection brake 22 .

As a result of the determination in step S134, if it is determined that the switch 650 is not in the ON state, the microcomputer 100 repeatedly determines whether the switch 650 is ON. As a result of the determination in S134 , if it is determined that the switch 650 is in the ON state, the pulse counting section 72 counts the pulses of the AC voltage applied to the clutch motor 60 . Then, the microcomputer 100 determines whether the count value of pulses is greater than a preset value of pulses, such as '66' (S135).

As a result of determination in step S135, if the count value of pulses is smaller than the preset pulse value, steps S134 and S135 are repeated until the count value of pulses is equal to or greater than the preset pulse value. In this case, when steps S134 and S135 are repeated, the clutch motor 60 is continuously driven. Therefore, the meshing between the gear teeth 151 of the joint 151 and the gear teeth 221 of the connecting brake 22 is more stable.

As a result of the determination in step S135, if the AC voltage pulse count value is equal to or greater than the preset pulse value, the clutch motor 60 is braked under the control of the microcomputer 100. Afterwards, the BLDC motor 7 alternately rotates in counterclockwise and clockwise directions according to a preset alternating rotation power (S137). At this time, the BLDC motor 7 immediately alternately rotates counterclockwise and clockwise N times (eg, 4 times) or for a predetermined time (1 to 3 seconds) at an angle smaller than the rotation angle in the washing cycle.

The BLDC motor 7 alternately rotates in the counterclockwise and clockwise directions in steps S132, S133, and S137. In the respective steps S132, S133 and S137, the alternating rotational power of the BLDC motor 7 can be set respectively.

As a result of the determination in step S131, if it is determined that it is necessary to switch to the dehydration tub mode, then under the control of the microcomputer 100, the BLDC motor 7 immediately rotates N alternately in the counterclockwise and clockwise directions at an angle smaller than the rotation angle in the washing cycle. times (such as 4 times) or rotate for a predetermined time (1 to 3 seconds).

After the BLDC motor 7 alternately rotates counterclockwise and clockwise, the microcomputer 100 operates the clutch motor 60 to rotate the cam 600, and simultaneously rotates the BLDC motor 7 alternately counterclockwise and clockwise M times (S139). Then, the micom 100 determines whether the switch 650 is turned off through the rotation of the cam 600 (S140). By determining whether the switch 650 is turned off, it can be determined whether the gear teeth 151 of the joint 15 are engaged with the gear teeth 221 of the connection brake 22 .

As a result of the determination in step S140, if it is determined that the switch 650 has been turned off, the pulse count section 72 counts the number of pulses of the AC voltage applied to the clutch motor 60 when the switch 650 is turned off. Then, the microcomputer 100 determines whether the count value of pulses is greater than a preset pulse value, for example, '66' (S141).

As a result of the determination at step S141, if the count value of pulses is smaller than the preset pulse value, the process returns to step S140. Steps S140 and S141 are repeated until the pulse count value is equal to or greater than the preset pulse value. When steps S140 and S141 are repeated, the clutch motor 60 is continuously driven. Therefore, the gear teeth 151 of the joint 15 are completely disengaged from the gear teeth 221 of the connecting brake 22 .

As a result of determination in step S141, if the pulse value of the AC voltage is equal to or greater than a preset pulse value, the clutch motor 60 is braked under the control of the microcomputer 100 (S142). After that, the BLDC motor 7 alternately rotates in counterclockwise and clockwise directions (S143). Here, the BLDC motor 7 immediately alternately rotates counterclockwise and clockwise N times (eg, 4 times) or for a predetermined time (1 to 3 seconds) at an angle smaller than the rotation angle in the washing cycle.

As described above, after switching to the dehydration tub mode, the microcomputer 100 enters a dehydration cycle.

The BLDC motor 7 alternately rotates in the counterclockwise and clockwise directions in steps S138, S139, and S143. In the respective steps S138, S139 and S143, the alternating rotational power of the BLDC motor 7 can be set respectively.

Industrial applicability

As described above, the apparatus and method for switching the power transmission mode of the washing machine according to the present invention has the following advantages.

In the apparatus and method for switching the power transmission mode of the washing machine according to the present invention, the position of the cam can be detected according to the state of the switch, so that the cam can be positioned at the correct starting point when switching the power transmission mode.

Likewise, the BLDC motor spins rapidly alternately clockwise and counterclockwise, allowing the joint's cogs to fully engage or disengage from the coupling's cogs. Therefore, when the power transmission mode is switched, it is possible to prevent the components of the washing machine from being damaged, and to stably perform the switching of the power transmission mode.

Obviously, for those skilled in the art, without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, the present invention can have various modifications and changes, and any modifications, equivalent replacements, improvements, etc. should be included in the scope of the present invention. within the scope of the claims.

Claims (28)

1. A device for switching the power transmission mode of a washing machine, comprising: a clutch including a joint for selectively transmitting power from the electric motor to a washing shaft and a dehydration shaft; a clutch motor for driving the joint; and a cam rotatably mounted to the clutch motor , providing a switching signal according to the rotation; a power supply unit for supplying voltage to the clutch motor; a pulse counting section for counting pulses of power supplied from the power supply section to the clutch motor; and The microcomputer is used to repeatedly rotate the cam until the count value of the pulse is equal to or greater than a preset pulse value, and the pulse drives the clutch motor. 2. The device according to claim 1, wherein said microcomputer makes the motor rotate counterclockwise and clockwise before driving said clutch motor and after braking said clutch motor according to a preset alternating rotational power Rotate alternately. 3. The device according to claim 2, wherein the microcomputer sets the alternating rotational power of the motor according to the amount of laundry and the amount of water. 4. The device according to claim 3, wherein when the amount of laundry and water are large, the microcomputer sets the alternating rotation power of the motor to a high level, and when the amount of laundry and water When the amount is small, set the alternating rotational power of the electric motor to a low level. 5. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the microcomputer sets the alternating rotational power according to a voltage input to the motor. 6. The apparatus according to claim 5, wherein, when the voltage input to the motor is high, the microcomputer sets the alternating rotational power of the motor to a low level, and when the voltage input to the motor is low At this time, the microcomputer sets the alternating rotation power of the motor to a high level. 7. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the microcomputer determines whether the motor is rotating when power is turned on again. 8. The apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the microcomputer turns off the power after the motor rotates for a preset time. 9. The apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the microcomputer drives the clutch motor after the motor stops rotating. 10. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the microcomputer drives the clutch motor while rotating the motor alternately in counterclockwise and clockwise directions. 11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the cam outputs an on-state switching signal to switch to a power transmission mode for washing and rinsing cycles. 12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the cam outputs a closed state transition signal to transition to a power transmission mode for a dehydration cycle. 13. A method for switching power transmission modes of a washing machine comprising: a joint for selectively transmitting power from a motor to a washing shaft and a spin shaft; a clutch motor for driving the joint; a cam , which is rotatably mounted to the clutch motor, provides switching signals according to the rotation, comprising: (a) rotating the cam by driving the clutch motor; (b) counting power pulses applied to the clutch motor; and (c) Keeping the rotation of the cam until the count value of the pulse is equal to or greater than a preset pulse value. 14. The method of claim 13, further comprising the step of: setting the alternating rotational power of the electric motor; and Before driving the clutch motor, the motor is alternately rotated in counterclockwise and clockwise directions according to the set alternating rotational power. 15. The method according to claim 14, wherein when setting the alternating rotational power of the motor, the alternating rotational power of the electric motor is set according to the amount of laundry and the amount of water. 16. The method of claim 14, wherein, when setting the alternating rotational power of the electric motor, the alternating rotational power of the electric motor is set according to a voltage applied to the electric motor. 17. The method of claim 14, wherein the motor rotates alternately in counterclockwise and clockwise directions at an angle smaller than the rotation angle in wash and rinse cycles. 18. The method of claim 13, wherein a clutch motor is driven and rotates alternately in counterclockwise and clockwise directions simultaneously. 19. The method of claim 13, further comprising the step of determining whether the electric motor rotates in the event of a power cycle. 20. The method of claim 19, wherein the power source is turned off when the motor rotates for a predetermined time. 21. A method for switching power transmission modes of a washing machine comprising: a joint for selectively transmitting power from a motor to a washing shaft and a spin shaft; a clutch motor for powering the joint a switch for controlling the joint; and a cam rotatably mounted to the clutch motor for controlling the switch according to the rotation, comprising: (a) rotating the cam by driving the clutch motor; (b) determining whether the switch has been toggled; (c) keeping the cam rotating for a predetermined time; and (d) braking the clutch motor. 22. The method of claim 21 , wherein the step of determining whether the switch has toggled comprises the step of determining whether the switch is on in the case of a transition to agitator mode, and In the case of , the step of determining whether the switch is closed. 23. The method according to claim 21, wherein the step of maintaining the rotation of the cam for a predetermined time includes the step of counting pulses of a power supply to the clutch motor, and counting the count of pulses The step of comparing the value with the preset pulse value. 24. The method according to claim 23, wherein the cam continues to rotate until the count value of the pulse is equal to or greater than the preset pulse value. 25. The method of claim 21, further comprising the step of rotating the electric motor at a predetermined alternating rotational power before driving the clutch electric motor and after braking the clutch electric motor. 26. The method according to claim 25, wherein the alternating rotation power of the motor is set according to the amount of laundry and the amount of water. 27. The method of claim 25, wherein the alternating rotational power of the electric motor is set according to a voltage input to the electric motor. 28. The method of claim 21, wherein the clutch motor is driven while the motor rotates alternately in counterclockwise and clockwise directions.

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